Enrolment
Study choice check
Fontys offers prospective students a Study Choice Check to support them in their study orientation and study choice process. Participation in the Study Choice Check is not compulsory for students applying for admission on the basis of an international diploma.
The main goal of the Study Choice Check is to determine how well your study programme suits your interests. This will benefit the chances of you enjoying your study time and succeeding at Fontys and ultimately also in your career. The Study Choice Check is a final confirmation to help you to decide. This will help you feel more confident, whatever your choice may be.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact your study programme.
The course of events surrounding the Study Choice Check and the study choice advice are detailed in the Study Choice Check rules. Specific details for each study programme are included in the Teaching and Examination Regulations of the study programme concerned.
21+ assessment test
If you are interested in pursuing a Fontys bachelor's programme but do not have the required educational diploma to be eligible for the programme, you can still apply for admission through the 21+ assessment test, also known as colloquium doctum.
For more information about the conditions, dates & application and costs, click the link below.
Everything about 21+ assessment testEnglish language proficiency
For all programmes conducted in English Fontys has set minimum language requirements. To prove that you meet these requirements you will be asked to send one of the English language certificates as shown in the table below.
Please note:
- The requirements for a master’s degree, exchange students, students who wish to study at Fontys Academy of the Arts and/or specific programmes may differ. Please contact your admissions officer for more information.
- Fontys doesn’t accept language test certificates which are older than two years at the desired start of your study. Cambridge certificates remain valid and are exempt from this.
- All English tests must be taken at an authorized test center. Fontys doesn’t accept online versions of tests. If your test center is closed due to circumstances please contact your admissions officer.
- You will need to redemonstrate your language proficiency if you are in possession of a diploma proving a sufficient English level which was issued more than 2 years ago.
You may be considered proficient in English and don’t need to provide a test score if:
- You have obtained a diploma of secondary education in a country listed on the diploma list drawn up on behalf of the associations of higher education institutions,as published on the website of the Code of Conduct and English is on your final transcript of grades.
- You have completed one of the following baccalaureate programmes in English:
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
- European Baccalaureate Diploma with English as first or second language
- International Baccalaureate Career Related Program
- You completed your entire preparatory education in English in one of the following countries and English is on your final transcript of grades:
- Australia
- Canada (Quebec excluded)
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- South Africa: the South African National Senior Certificate with English as Home Language
- United States of America
- United Kingdom
Fontys may request a statement from NUFFIC confirming that the preparatory education has been fully followed in the English language.
- You have a Dutch mbo-4, havo or vwo-diploma
An applicant's level of proficiency in English must always meet the entry requirements for the chosen Fontys course programme. Fontys reserves the right to require language proficiency testing for all categories of applicants.
Students from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands:
Students from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands who are exempted from submitting language proficiency test results:
- Students from Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba in possession of a havo or vwo diploma
- Students from Curaçao, Aruba and St. Maarten in possession of a havo or vwo diploma obtained at Dutch-speaking schools
- Students from St. Eustatius and Saba in possession of a Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate
- Students from Bonaire in possession of a mbo-4 diploma
- Students from Aruba in possession of an EPI level 4 diploma and students from Curaçao with a SBO level 4 diploma, provided that education was entire in English and/or with a sufficient grade for English as an exam subject (≥ 5.5).
Students from Suriname
Students with a havo or vwo diploma from a school in Suriname that is accredited for havo or vwo are exempt from an English language test. Check the Nuffic website for the list of accredited schools.
When you graduate, you are entitled to a degree or a title. The degree is awarded by Fontys.
Associate degree
- If you pass the exam of an Associate degree programme, you will receive the degree Associate Degree. The abbreviation is Ad, and no additional qualification is added.
Bachelor’s degree
- If you pass a bachelor’s degree programme, you are entitled to carry a bachelor’s degree. Fontys maintains a register listing all the degrees offered by Fontys. You can use an abbreviation for your degree after your name: a “B” followed by an abbreviation. For example, “Bachelor of Education” becomes “B Ed.”
- You can also choose to use the (old) title “baccalaureus,” which is placed as “bc” before your name.
- Graduates from the technical domain can use the title “ingenieur,” abbreviated as “ing.,” placed before their name.
- When using a title or degree, you must choose between a title or a degree. Both cannot be used simultaneously.
Master's degree
- The hbo master’s degree can also be indicated in your name, abbreviated as “M” with any additional qualification, placed after your name. There is no (old) title available for the hbo master.
Certificate of higher professional education
A certificate of higher professional education is awarded to you when you graduate. The government has set conditions regarding the level, quality, and reliability of certificates. The program you have completed is accredited by the NVAO, and in conjunction with the government’s requirements, the value of a certificate becomes clear. The certificate you receive is a valuable document. Every certificate issued by Fontys has security features.
- A micro text in the square purple area of the logo at the bottom of the document;
- A silver foil strip on the right side of the document with a cut-out of the monogram of Fontys Hogescholen;
- The unique paper number of each certificate is also executed in laser perforation. When in doubt about the authenticity of the document, you can request verification at Fontys Hogescholen;
- The paper has a worldwide protected watermark.
In addition to the certificate, you will receive a diploma supplement.
Once you have passed, a notification is sent to DUO. You will then be recognised by DUO as a graduate.
Suspicion of fraud
If there is suspicion that someone is carrying a paper resembling a Fontys certificate without proper authorisation, it is important to report this to Fontys. An investigation is always conducted into the suspected fraudulent diploma, and sometimes it leads to prosecution. Diploma fraud is a form of forgery and is punishable under the Criminal Code.